Introduction
Psychology is a vast field that encompasses the study of the mind. Psychologists are becoming an increasingly common part of large businesses and industries. Marketing companies are also using various psychological methods to advertise their products to potential customers. There is an abundance of job opportunities for psychologists and behavior analysts in hospitals and medical institutions. By 2014, psychology is expected to offer more career opportunities than any other medical or scientific profession making it ideal for people who have strong interpersonal and analytical.
Programs Offered
Colleges and universities across the country offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology and behavioral sciences. A large number of psychology colleges offer these degrees online as well, giving students the flexibility to study from the comfort of their homes at a time that suits them. The associate of arts degree offered by accredited psychology colleges can be completed in as little as 18 months. It includes the basic courses of psychology, medicine and behavioral sciences. The bachelor of arts degree in Psychology (BA) usually lasts between 3-4 years and includes advanced courses on the application of psychology in daily life as well as its applications in the fields of education and social services. Students also study the subjects of physiology, sensation, perception, motivation, learning, personality formation, resource management, professional safety and patient therapy.
Advanced degrees
For those wishing to pursue advanced degrees, psychology colleges also offer master’s and doctorate degrees in the subject. These degrees are also made available online, as well as on-campus and are mainly research oriented – they aim to develop a working knowledge of research methods and techniques and how to deal with day to day situations from a psychological perspective. A large number of people pursuing higher degrees in psychology prefer online classes due to a number of reasons. Mainly, these programs are attended by working professionals who have to balance a full time job with their studies. In some cases, students may also be raising a family at the same time while taking classes. Moreover, the increased use of technology and the digital media in virtually every field of work means that employers tend to seek workers who possess these essential skills.
Career Prospects
Additionally students learn how to use transcription software and learn valuable computer and IT skills as well as transcribing and coding techniques and insurance and healthcare law. Most importantly students are taught how to do their work with full concentration and acuity to minimize the chance of errors and to prepare grammatically correct reports and transcripts. Some employers may require medical transcription professionals to take a certification program. The certification test is conducted by the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT) and includes question on various areas of health, medicine, law, grammar and computer techniques. Upon the successful completion of the exam, students become Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT).
Psychology has always appealed to the adventurous as it is a field which is wide open to researchers and being a young branch of science, still has the opportunity to make discoveries about the working of the human mind and to better understand the way we live and behave. Psychologists have countless opportunities in the health sector from large hospitals to nursing homes to private clinics. The advantages of psychology in the education sector are also being recognized, and as such more and more schools, nurseries and youth centers are employing psychology college graduates as counselors. Some psychologist may also choose to work with special children and those who have learning difficulties. Graduates of psychology colleges are also employed in various industries to create a positive work environment and increase productivity while maintaining good relations with the labor unions. With a good understanding of human behavior, psychologists can also take up a number of other exciting careers in managerial positions with various companies, as well as sales and marketing, law enforcement and a number of other state and federal services.